Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for good examples. This week a great family that we know lost their son. This son has been severely mentally handicapped and had serious health problems since he was about 3. He passed away this week at the age of 45 or so. His parents are the greatest examples of selfless and Christ-like service that I have ever seen. They have tirelessly and selflessly cared for this child their entire lives-this man who could hardly speak and who had a multitude of physical issues too. They have put aside their needs and wants to fulfil their duty to their son and to the Lord. This couple attended church at different times every week so that one was always with their son. They have done this for years and years. There were very few times that others came in to care for their son because they shouldered this huge responsibility and took it very seriously. They served and went to the temple at different times and I think that this week was the first time that I have ever seen them in the car together at the same time. They have devoted their entire lives to their son who could not care for himself even in the smallest degree. Their other children live out of state and came in to assist a few times but of course they have their own families to care for. Last night was the viewing at the church. This man was loved by his family and loved and cared for more deeply than most people could ever wish for. This could not have been easy for this couple and so I hope that I can try and be just a little better than I have been and be more patient and understanding to my children and others. I am also thankful for the Plan of Salvation and to know that while this man did not have much in what the world would consider, he has fulfilled his mission here on earth and will be waiting for his family on the other side. He will be whole and perfect through the resurrection and it will quite the day when he can tell his parents how much he appreciated all that they did for him to the exclusion of all else. It is so great to know that he has made it to the celestial kingdom and that we can strive to do and be all that we can so that we can see him there. I am thankful for good examples who inspire me to do better.